HUGE CROWD AT OPTIMIST APPRECIATION DINNER JAN 21

Oshawa, Jan 21…. An overflow crowd attended the annual Optimist Club of Oshawa members sponsored Appreciation dinner held at Johnny’s Original Eatery. This annual event saluted the solidarity movement of the local service club who have been support “Youth” and Community activies since 1982.

Optimist president Petrina Perrineau “welcomed” everyone in attendance stating “It’s a rewarding experience just being here” She continued to say the Optimist movement remains strong and dedicated towards all activies within our community. Despite having a small membership, the Oshawa Optimist do major events 12 months a year. She cited the annual Christmas Food Hampers/Toy deliveries celebrating the 25th consecutive year held on Dec. 21st as a perfect example. The Optimist with strong support from 150 volunteers deliveried 100 Food Hampers to needy local families selected by the Salvation Army. Families with children received a mimimum of three toys per-child. The food supplied was capable of feeding a family of four for a seven day including a 15 pound Xmas Turkey. The toys where collected from two separate outlets - the Martin Chiropractic Clinic and the staff from the 4th Main Floor located at OGH Lakeridge Health. Combined the both outlets collected over 1,100 superb quality toys with a estimated retail value of over $30,000.00. The Optimist Toys drive are the largest supplier the Salvation has within the Durham Region. Further more, Walmart-Canada offered special pricing for the overflow hampers jammed within a total of 3 full boxes.

The Optimist membership are always fundraising. Other projects events during the calendar year includes the Wado Kai Karate Youth Tournament, Durham College Athletic Scholarships, Hockey Nite in Oshawa, Leisure Family Swims, Ice Skating, Respect For Law, the CCDHH Youth Speech contest for the Hard of Hearing, the annual “T”Ball tournament for various hockey,baseball and softball tournaments.

Revenue comes from fundraising events at the weekly double bingo’s at the Hideaway Hall, Monday Nite Euchre, Raffles and other brainstorming ideas. This spring the membership are strongly considering a classic car raffle thus permitting addition revenue for other needy projects.

At the Appreciation dinner, Perrineau and former two time president Stephen Hambley handed out appreciation awards to the Five Points Mall, City of Oshawa, T-Fal Canada, Salvation Army, Cleeve Inds. , CAW Local 222, Martin Chirpractic Clinic, Discount Vehicle Rentals, Lakeridge Health 4th Main Floor Nurses at the Oshawa General Hospital and Walmart Canada. Individually Kenneth Ferrill plus the Skinner Family George and Kay where saluated for the heavy annual donations directed to the Christmas Hampers and Toys.

Media honours went to Terry Johnston the morning radio host on 1580 CKDO AM, Joe Tilley CTV sports anchor and the SNAP-Oshawa owner tandem of Graziella and Tony Vanderveen.